Tag Archives: Industry News

One of the vaping community’s greatest voices, Congressman Duncan Hunter has been a very vocal, very proud proponent of vaping. While legislation looms from all angles of American government, this fine gentleman has been very outspoken on his personal views of promoting the acceptance of vapor, as well as sharing his personal accomplishments that have occurred due to having switched to vaporizers.

In a rather bold move this week, in an attempt to make himself seen and have his voice heard, the California Republican Representative decided to use his vape as a tool of expression, and during a meeting designated to determine the fate of vaping on airplanes, he made it clear how passionate he is about the usefulness of these awesome alternatives to tobacco. He opened his argument with a lusciously bold cloud of vapor, explaining what a vaporizer is and does, and certainly got a lot of attention with his dramatic gesture: “So this is called a vaporizer,” Hunter announced, while at the same time, causing some annoyance as the woman sitting next to him fanned his vapor from her air space. “There’s no combustion, there are no carcinogens … there is no burning, there is nothing noxious about this whatsoever.” While we do agree with him wholeheartedly, this method didn’t achieve the anticipated reaction from fellow lawmakers.

Rep. Hunter’s effort to sway the judgement in his favor, despite putting out all the stops to make a point for the positivity of vaping, was ultimately shot down. Unfortunately, he did not gain the support of his peers in the House, and it looks as though this amendment will be getting a Federal banning in regards to vaping on aircraft. Regardless, we do appreciate his unwavering support for the industry, common sense in regards to vaping, as well as using himself as an example.

A teen in Alberta, Canada is recovering from second degree burns that came as a result of an electronic cigarette device exploding as he used it. Currently, media reports are painting it as a situation of a rogue device randomly turning explosive, however they are failing to take into account that the product he was using was much more complex than a basic electronic cigarette. The explosion was most likely the result of improper usage, and perhaps using the wrong variety of battery to power the device. It is possible he did not understand the complexities of working with a mech mod, however, let it be known that despite what the media reports, this situation probably could have been avoided.

There are several things wrong with this story. Here’s a breakdown:

The device this child was using was a mechanical mod. Not a beginner’s device. Not an intermediate device. Rather a device for legit experts, who know exactly what they are doing when it comes to handling serious lithium batteries and building electrical panels yourself.

His parents allowed him to use this thing; at such a tender, experimental age under 18, his parents should have had a better handle of what he was up to and they should have been paying more attention. Now they’re opting to blame the vapor device; real smart to avert the attention away, guys.

Someone actually sold a child this product due to there being no age regulation in this area of Canada? This is stupidity on all levels.

When using mech mods, you have to do a substantial amount of research to understand how they need to be built. Beyond building, people need to be aware that mech mods are inherently DIY devices and there is a definite level of risk in using them. Most companies selling them will make this very, very clear in an effort to educate e-cigarette consumers.

So, the real story should be on awareness, not a vague headline designed to scare and distort the reality of e-cigarettes and other vapor products. Safety first, it should be the primary goal of everyone who opts to use a vapor device. If you are going to venture into advanced territory, and attempt to work with devices such as mech mods, please, by all means, know what you’re doing.

Across the pond, in the UK, a First World nation full of educated, intelligent thinking people, with a democratic government, excellent physicians with a fully-functional healthcare system, and a high level of independent research done through their scientific endeavors as well as through their many highly-esteemed universities, they have been able to see through the spin, and understand the enormous potential of electronic cigarettes in regards to the betterment of their public. With 3 million people as smokers, they see the promise an alternative such as vapor devices presents. Instead of fighting over trivial suspicions, they are focusing on facts, and focusing on how many lives can be saved by offering vapor devices as legit cessation options.

In the US, however, we find a new reason to vilify e-cigarettes every week, and often base these suspicions on the conclusions of sporadic studies, often done with biased data, or select data from perfectly positioned groups that will enable the outcomes to sway in their predetermined directions.

According to vapor products advocate, David Sweanor (adjunct professor of law at the University of Ottowa as well as a special lecturer for the division of epidemiology and public health at the University of Nottingham): “There’s a very strong abstinence-only part of what’s going on in the anti-smoking movement. I think it’s one of the most counter-productive things that we’ve ever seen.” Having spent a huge amount of his career over the past 30 years dedicated to fighting the war on tobacco, Sweanor is more than capable of offering some insight to a muddled situation that could really use some common sense.

This week, reports of a study done the journal the Lancet Respiratory Medicine, claimed that according to their data, e-cigarettes do not help smokers quit smoking. Despite having been published by a legitimate medical journal, the study was loaded with inaccuracies, and has been labeled both “grossly misleading,” by Peter Hajek, currently the Director of the Tobacco Dependence Research Unit of Queen Mary University of London, and “not scientific” by Deputy Director of the UK Centre for Tobacco & Alcohol Studies, Ann McNeill, who also serves as a professor at King’s College London.

It’s rather interesting, though heavily confounding on why electronic cigarettes are being so vilified in the media. Sure, we could go all “conspiracy theory” on you as to why this could be part of some big, deep, underlying scheme, but that’s really not necessary. There’s enough going on at the surface to ponder, and it really is perplexing every way it’s examined. We’re certain, despite the current state of affairs, that the future holds much promise, but in the meantime, it’s a crazy path the industry is navigating!

The United Kingdom’s regulator for medicinal items, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has officially classified electronic cigarettes as medical devices. This is the step taken in an effort to what may become the official marketing of electronic cigarette devices as cessation devices. This is very big news for the vapor products industry, and while it is not fully relevant to the US market, it is a major step for the industry as a whole, and it sets an incredible example the US needs to take note of.

Prior to this landmark decision on the part of MHRA, vapor products were not permitted to be recommended by general practitioners as they were not considered licensed products. Because of this monumental decision, vapor products will now be able to truly compete with established cessation methods in the UK, such as nicotine gums and nicotine patches, and physicians as well as other healthcare providers will be able to recommend them for usage.

This is an excellent example being demonstrated as a model for nations such as the US, whose own policies and politics regarding e-cigarettes are not yet established. Across the pond, we are currently awaiting the FDA to make a final decision on the ability of today’s e-cigarettes to even continue being sold.

The health agencies in the UK have been staunch and stubborn in regards to their opinions of e-cigarettes, and they have seen the potential they hold for quite some time now. Last year, Public Health England’s report on e-cigarette use, and their independent findings that vapor cigarettes are 95% healthier than traditional tobacco cigarettes made worldwide headlines, having come from a legitimate source making such a bold claim. The UK has been blatantly vocal about the promise these products hold for people looking to quit smoking, and with 20% of the British adult population as smokers, they are truly committed to their betterment and health.

We applaud the UK on their decision, which we know was based on a great amount of research, studies, and common sense. We are excited to see where the market is headed, and look forward to what these revolutionary products are going to do for the public health sector in the near future.

With a new year right upon us, we are looking forward to what’s to come. Every year, we watch the vapor products industry evolve in new directions, unveil all sorts of new innovations, and experience the technology in action.

In 2015, the availability and options in regards to the most high-tech box mods, sub ohm devices, and exceptionally high quality e-liquids became extremely mainstream. What used to be reserved for only the most eager of DIY vape enthusiasts became accessible to any and everyone who wanted to experience the power of taking the control of a box mod into their own hands. In a few short months, the industry changed entirely. Trailing on this trend, we expect 2016 to offer even greater offerings in terms of technology, and making very advanced products available to those who want them, without having to construct them on their own, if they do not want to.

As for regulations, we are awaiting them because it seems rather imminent in the US. One way or another, (and hopefully they will be created with fairness and common sense in mind), it is only a matter of time before they are here. While we do not know what to expect exactly, we do hope that all regulations instituted are fair and not oppressing to the industry and its users.

It has been predicted that the overall sales of electronic cigarette products sales for 2015 would be somewhere in the vicinity of $3.5 billion; quite a legitimate market when you weigh all angles. In fact, current models show that by 2018, the vapor products industry is expected to reach the $10 billion range. The growth is imminent, and despite the impending regulations that are clearly an obstacle the vapor products market is contending with, this industry is way greater than a single trend; it’s a thriving niche.

So, 2016 is almost here and we are most definitely looking to the future with promise and optimism. We expect growth, innovation, and continuing to evolve with this ever-changing industry. From everyone here at IVG, we wish you a super, happy New Year!

To those outside of this industry, the recent media uproar that came as a direct offshoot of a study recently done by Harvard University’s School of Public Health, has everyone believing e-cigarettes are an imminent threat to those who use them because everyone is getting majorly exposed to diacetyl. And, as a result, the possibility of developing the horror that is known as popcorn lung is a disaster waiting to happen if you are using vapor products. Unfortunately, this sensationalized account of the reality of diacetyl exposure all comes down to the liquids one is using. And if a vaper is vaping with any IVG brands’ liquids, this chemical will not be a part of their juice, therefore this supposed risk of popcorn lung is reduced drastically.

Diacetyl is not contained in all e-liquids by any means. And for those who are regular users of vapor products, they already are aware of the dangers of diacetyl, and they steer clear of any products containing it. South Beach Smoke, EverSmoke, VaporFi, and Motley Brew are totally pleased to be 100% diacetyl free, always.

The study, which sampled a mere 51 flavors, attempted to paint a broad picture of the entire e-liquids industry based on those individual products. Considering the wide scale of brands, including high-quality brands who maintain very pure, diacetyl-free liquids, the stat of 75% of liquids containing diacetyl is exceptionally disproportionate.

Such an unfortunate account of misreporting and a failure on the part of Harvard University’s research team in this study is massively detrimental to an industry whose sole focus is to offer tobacco smokers alternatives that fit their lifestyles. By no means can we make claims on behalf of the whole industry, but there is no excuse for excluding the very many brands who are totally committed to steering clear of dangerous substances like diacetyl in their products.

We hope that anyone who uses e-liquids will read between the lines and see how biased this report is. In addition, it is also our sincerest hope that those who are a part of this industry continue to shoot down the lies because simply, they are wrong.

Right now, the very existence of the electronic cigarette and vapor products industry is being challenged, and if the FDA has their way, these products may not be available for sale within the next 2 – 4 years. No, this is not some crazy exaggeration or spun-off news story; it’s for real!

Last week, the CASAA, or the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association released a national, and urgent call to action for the entire industry, pleading with everyone involved to make it known to those in Washington DC, as well as to local representatives, how unfair, detrimental, and harmful such regulations will be, as well as to ask for support in favor of Bill HR 2058. Within the first few days of the announcement, thousands of vapers were calling in and emailing the White House, to the extent of making it nearly impossible to get through. Yeah, it’s that major!

Bill HR 2058 is a counter to the FDA’s Tobacco Deeming Regulations, which date back to 2007, and were in regards to the earliest electronic/ vapor cigarette devices. If these regulations are allowed to go into effect, 99.9% of all alternative tobacco-type products will be removed from sale, and vapers will be left with no options. The industry has evolved many times over in that time, and these regulations have no place governing, banning, or controlling the products currently on the market. Also, in the past 8 years, millions of smokers have switched to vapor cigarettes, showing that not only has this trend failed to fade away, but also that consumers are taking full advantage of their many choices and are able to control their habits much more profoundly than traditional cigarettes allowed.

This life-changing, highly beneficial, amazing industry is at stake, and if you are among the millions whose life has been positively affected by vapor products, please show your support by making a call to the White House and emailing your local Congressional Representatives and Senators asking for their support of Bill HR 2058. Consumers deserve the right to options; don’t allow yours to be taken!

The latest news on e-cigs is that vape shops in DC need to watch out! And so it begins… massive taxes have finally hit the e-cigarette world, at least in the nation’s capitol, Washington DC. Vapers have long been dreading this, though many have expected it for quite some time.

On October 1st, 2015, DC implemented a new 67% excise tax on all products related to electronic smoking products, including electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and e-liquids. As part of the 2016 budget proposal, which encompasses the Vapor Product Amendment of 2015, officially halts the classifying of e-cigarettes into the same grouping as traditional cigarettes in regards to sales tax. The increase is monumental; when regarded as tobacco products, e-cigarette products were subject to a 5.75% sales tax; a far cry from the crippling 67% consumers are now faced with. Though it does not extend to online shopping, the law is aimed at the many vape shops that have opened up throughout the DC area.

While this is not a nationwide law, those in the DC area are going to see a lot of big changes in how e-cigarettes are sold locally. This regulation was enacted as an effort to raise money, in which the mayor of DC, Muriel Bowser anticipates an increase of $400,000 to be gained, and used towards local efforts.

This new amendment officially declassified electronic cigarettes as tobacco products, and goes in for the kill by giving them their own category; allowing municipalities to take the taxation to the extreme.

We have long advocated the implementation of regulations within reason, and laws that are made on behalf of the people who use the products, and above all, done in the name of common sense; not exploitation in an effort to raise money.

What may seem like such a small move has the potential to be catastrophic. Because it directly targets brick and mortar shops, along with gas stations and convenience stores, it is expected that stores in the area will be closing, customers will be driven away due to high cost, and people will most likely lose jobs. Doesn’t sound very economically stable, or growth-inducing, does it, considering this law was enacted to stimulate the local DC economy?

Not enough research to deem electronic cigarettes a worthy option for smokers looking for an alternative? Wrong, according to Public Health England.

While the debate rages on, between controversy and approval for e-cigarettes, Public Health England recently made a bold announcement in the direction of positivity for electronic cigarettes. Acknowledging the fact that safety and purity regulation is a necessity, they also acknowledged the many positives these products hold, and that they have the potential to be a major source of assistance to those looking to quit smoking.

The stance cited a variety of research, publicly putting an end to the incessant cry of “not enough research or scientific data,” and zeroed in on the common sense ideal that without tobacco, the concept of smoking takes on an entirely different face. All of the information released by Public Health England was part of their Evidence-Based Review, and it examined a large collection of data and studies, as well as consumer information to reach their conclusions. This was done over an extended period of time, with a great amount of consideration on previous research, and was aimed to be conducted in a most unbiased manner.

Despite e-cigarettes not being marketed as such, the research found that electronic cigarettes are the number one choice among smokers as a cessation device. While these products are prohibited from being marketed in such a way, this is how users are utilizing them, and contrary to what major governmental agencies (in the USA, at least) may have to say about the regulatory semantics, smokers are proving to have very successful results. As the foreword of the Public Health England’s Evidence-Based Review states: “The role and impact of electronic cigarettes has been one of the great debates in public health in recent years and we commissioned this independent review of the latest evidence to ensure that practitioners, policy makers and, most importantly of all, the public have the best evidence available.” There was no political manipulation or hidden agenda behind this research. It’s about being upfront, honest, and giving the real deal statistics to those who need them. Whether or not the US follows suit, and begins regulating on such a common-sense, realistic manner will be seen in time; it the meantime, enormous kudos to Public Health England for being blunt where it matters, and making it clear that e-cigarettes are not the bad guy!

This coming Saturday, October 17, International Vapor Group’s very own VaporFi will be proudly sponsoring Light Heavyweight MMA fighter Vinny Magalhaes in his fight in the decagon cage against Matt “the Hammer” Hamill during the World Series of Fighting. This should prove to be a most exciting event, as Vinny is aiming to score his third consecutive victory. Live from the Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Mashantucket, CT, it’s going to be one action-packed MMA evening. The fight will be broadcast on NBC Sports, at 8 pm EST, so we highly encourage you to tune in as one of the most dynamic fighters currently fighting reps VaporFi.

Also known as “Pezao,” Vinny Magalhaes is one the world’s best MMA fighters. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Vinny holds a vast collection of prestigious and exclusive titles to his name. Many consider him to be the best grappler in the world. He holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, and is a national champion in his native Brazil for the sport. Other major titles he has acquired include winning the Ultimate Fighter TV Show (season 8), M-1 MMA champion, which is the biggest promotion in Russia, and presently, Vinny is the champion of Titan Fighting Championships. He was also among the exclusive list of invitees during the last ADCC, which is a private event owned and hosted by a sheikh, and it features only the very finest fighters in the world across a multitude of modalities, including wrestling, MMA, judo, sambo, jiu jitsu, among others. To say that Vinny is a seriously in demand fighter would be somewhat of an understatement.

So, this Saturday night, tune in to NBC Sports to catch all of the excitement! IVG is super excited to be a part of the action as Vinny Magalhaes fights for the championship, representing the VaporFi vape life!

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